The effects of a topically-active non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on ligature-induced periodontal disease in the squirrel monkey.

Prostaglandins are believed to be important mediators of periodontal inflammation and bone resorption. The purpose of the present blind study was to quantify clinically and histologically the effects of a topically applied nonsteroidal prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, namely a substituted oxazolopyridine derivative (SOPD), on ligature-induced periodontal disease in the squirrel monkey. For a period of 14 days, one group of ligated animals received 2 daily topical applications of the SOPD. A group receiving systemically administered indomethacin served as a positive control while a group receiving only topically applied vehicle served as a negative control. Results indicate that throughout the 14-day period of the study, the SOPD significantly inhibited gingival inflammation and loss of attachment as compared to either the placebo or indomethacin groups. Both indomethacin and the SOPD significantly inhibited bone resorption.